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Acid Deposition

This
page last reviewed June 10, 2011

Background

Scientific evidence in other parts
of the world has shown that atmospheric deposition of sulfur and
nitrogen compounds can cause harm to the environment and, thus, may
present a threat to California's ecosystems and the health of its
citizens. To adequately address this serious concern, the causes and
effects of acid deposition in California were studied in two
comprehensive State-funded monitoring and research programs. The
California Legislature enacted the Kapiloff Acid Deposition Program
(KADP) and the Atmospheric Acidity Protection Program (AAPP). These
studies examined the atmospheric processes associated with acid
deposition and its effects on human health, aquatic ecosystems, forest
ecosystems, agricultural crops, and man-made materials. Concentrations
of acidic air pollutants in precipitation, fog, and dry-deposited
particles and gases were measured in support of the KADP and AAPP by
the Air Resources Board's (ARB) California Acid Deposition Monitoring
Program (CADMP). The draft report "Final Assessment of the Atmospheric
Acidity Protection Program" was presented to the Air Resources Board at
their October 26, 2001 meeting. The draft report describes the major
findings of the Kapiloff Acid Deposition Program and Atmospheric
Acidity Protection Program.